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Illinois Game Law Passes
The Illinois law banning the sale of violent games to minors has passed another milestone. The Illinois House has given the law an okay, meaning both the House and the Senate have passed the law. It now moves on to be signed by the Governor. From the article: "... supporters insisted the government has a duty to help parents shield children from violence and sexuality. 'Don't let them become the monsters that we see in these violent games,' Democratic Rep. Monique Davis said."
Don't let them become the monsters that you see in games? Simple, talk to your kid about the game before/after (preferably before) he/she plays the game, is it just me or is this bill being passed with an unusual emotional ovecharge?
If you believe in privacy, and believe you have "nothing to hide" at the same time, you're a goddammed idiot
This bill has been treated as nothing more than a joke since:
a) The Illinois State Police has basically said that they have better things to do than waste their time busting video game retailers when they should be busting drug dealers and murderers.
b) At least two politicians that voted for it said they had no choice but to vote for it for fear of their vote against the bill being used against them come re-election time.
c) One politician called it for what it actually is: A publicity stunt by the governor of Illinois to boost his Presidential bid in 2008(like that's really going to work out for him, look at how Lieberman fared in his Presidential campiagn last year).
d) As soon as the governor signs it into law, it's going to challenged in Federal court and ruled unconstitutional, just like all the others before this one.
== BearDogg-X ==
What on earth is the point of your esrb rating system if it is not used
The difference here is HOW it is used. The ESRB is a voluntary system at every level - the publishers voluntarily put the ratings on the boxes, the retailer voluntarily chooses to restrict sales based on the ratings, and parents voluntarily choose to observe the ratings when they purchase games for their kids. In my experience, the majority of retailers DO restrict sales to minors, and most parents DO understand the ratings system. In fact, it seems the only people to witness wanton disregard for the ESRB ratings are the people who want them to be codified into law.
What makes this law significant is that movies and music, which also have been subjected to voluntary ratings systems, are NOT restricted by law! This legislation gives creedence to the idea that a form of media can be just as dangerous and unhealthy as alcohol and cigarettes in the hands of a minor.
Historically, there has always been conflict between generations as new forms of expression are invented and embraced. Look at historical reactions to movies, comic books, jazz, swing, rock, punk, and so on. But aside from the occasional town ordinance, a form of expression has not been placed under such legal restriction - until now. This is a dangerous precedent. What happens when they decide that not only are certain forms of media harmful, but that certain IDEAS are dangerous? Who gets to choose these ideas?
Some may regard legal restrictions on game sales to be a logical step, but they are starting down a slippery slope with this law. Right now it is violent and sexual content. Next it could be foul language or depictions of smoking & drinking. And after that? Outlaw the expression of certain political ideas? It may seem extreme, but it is a logical progression. This is tyranny of the majority, outlawing socially unpopular notions. Right now, it is the sex and violence that is unpopular and alarming to the majority. Once they are gone, what will replace them?
I know I sound alarmist, but as I said - this is a dangerous precedent. This is a legal restriction against the expression of certain ideas. We must all be vigilant to make sure things don't get out of hand.
Must... think up... something... clever!
This is GREAT news! Finally it will be safe to walk through every area of Chicago.
I guess it boils down to this choice.......
either violent video games cause kids to be violent, or......
violent kids buy violent video games.
Hmmm, I wonder which is more logical? My opinion is that the fault lies in the parenting, though I think most parents don't want to accept this responsibility, so they find the nearest scapegoat (which they purchased for their child).
for another intrusive, Nanny-State, "We Know Better Than You Do", bullshit feel-good law that does nothing but waste time and money and refuses to address the real concerns.
.50 rifles in CA. Nevermind that these have *never* been used in a crime. Ever. Anywhere in the US. But, it sure looks like the worthless legislature's doing something, right? Ignoring the true sources of crime because they don't want to appear "racist" or be "profiling". Or the worthless "assault rifle" ban. Does it make any fscking difference at all if a rifle feeds from a clip in front of the trigger or in the grip? Not one bit to those on the wrong end. But hey, people still think the government was actually doing something, even now.
Just like banning the
Baaah, sheep.